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GERALD JAMES WATSON SR., of Baltimore, Maryland, departed this life on August 24, 2019. He was born May 23, 1946, the son of the late Alexander C. Watson and the late Geraldine Shirley Tabb. Gerald graduated from Douglass High School in West Baltimore. Drafted immediately out of high school, Gerald served his country faithfully. It was while serving that he discovered he possessed Sickle Cell Anemia causing him to terminate his enlistment prematurely. His diagnosis included a dire warning of an early death at age 30; 40 years at most. But the Lord had other plans and Gerald overcame that warning living an unheard of 70-plus years despite this disease. He later received training at Community College of Baltimore’s culinary school. Eventually, restaurants benefited from his culinary skills but principally family and friends were thrilled when he entered the kitchen. Gerald altered his career path working for the United States Postal Service for fifteen years until retirement. Although Gerald struggled with this ailment, God’s grace was greater, and he married Christine C. Johnson in 1974. The two lovingly shared their lives together for 45 years and along the way produced a son Gerald James Watson, Jr. In turn Gerald, Jr. contributed two of his father’s greatest gifts, Inayah and Ameerah, granddaughters who he loved more than he could ever promise. Gerald was known to be generous oftentimes handing out money to nieces and, nephews and his granddaughters. Family foremost in his mind. Always cooking, always baking, always doing. Always! As it came to pass, Gerald didn’t solve the national debt, nor did he rid the city of gang activity. But to his family he was faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. He is Dad, Pete, Pop-Pop, Petey, Uncle Petey and yes incognito Squirrely Quarles. The rest of us are just lil’ rascals. Gerald leaves to mourn his wife, Christine C. Watson; son, Gerald James Watson Jr.; siblings, Jacqueline Simmorins, Gregory Watson, Carolyn Watson, Clarence Tabb, Charles Tabb, Darnell Tabb; granddaughters, Inayah Burks, Ameerah Watson; and a host of other relatives, friends and acquaintances. He

Tributes

Gerald J. Watson Sr.

May 23, 1946 - August 24, 2019